5 ADHD Planner Hacks to Stay on Track

Because sticking with a planner shouldn't feel impossible.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of the links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I know and love!

Let’s be real: traditional planning systems just don’t cut it when you have ADHD.

We don't need more to-do lists - we need tools that help us focus, offload mental clutter, and keep coming back even when we fall off track. 

If you've ever bought a planner with the best intentions and abandoned it a week later, you're not alone. These 5 ADHD-friendly planner hacks have helped me (and so many others) actually use a planner consistently - without the pressure of perfection.

1. Top 3 Priorities Only

Instead of filling every line of your day, choose just three high-priority tasks. This gives you structure without overwhelm and creates quick wins that build momentum.

2. Use Color for Dopamine

Highlighters, stickers, or colored pens aren’t just cute—they’re effective. A pop of color gives your brain a little hit of dopamine every time you check something off or update your layout. Check out my favorite erasable colored pens & highlighters! 

3. Brain Dump First, Plan Second

Before jumping into a to-do list, take 2–3 minutes to unload all the mental noise onto a brain dump page. It clears the fog and helps you plan from a calm, focused place.

4. Plan Backwards

Instead of asking, “What should I do first?”, ask, “What’s the last thing I need to do today?” Planning in reverse helps with time blindness and makes your tasks more realistic.

5. Create a Dopamine Win List

ADHD brains need feedback. Keep a list of small wins—like “answered that email” or “took a break before burnout.” This builds motivation and rewires your focus around progress, not perfection.

Why It Works!

These hacks are built around how the ADHD brain actually function. They are visual, flexible and reward driven. That's why I designed the Focus Planner to include all of them.

You don't need to force productivity you just need the right tools.

Ready to try a planner that is made for your brain? Grab The Focus Collection now and start building a routine that works with you - not against you.

@theFocus.collection | The Digital Vault

Cheering you on!

Jenna